Explore Everglades National Park for free this weekend

January 13, 2011|South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Explore Everglades National Park, the treasure in South Florida's backyard, this holiday weekend for free during the U.S. National Park system's free entrance days celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday.

The park service is offering free entrance to over 100 U.S. parks Saturday through Monday.

There are so many wonderful and interesting things to do and see in Everglades National Park. Explore by bike, canoe or on foot. Here's highlights of scheduled events, weather permitting; call 305-242-7700 to make reservations, verify events and times:

Slough Slog: Wade through the river of grass into the shadows of a ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â‘gator holeÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â’ or cypress dome; 2:30 and 4:30 Saturday and Monday.

Nike Missile Base: Take a free, guided tour through the historic site where the U.S. Army defended the United States from Soviet and Cuban attack during the Cold War. Tours are at 11 a.m., 12:30, 2 and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; 2 and 3:30 p.m. Monday.

Shark Valley: Take a boat tour from Flamingo; Costs: $18.25 for adults; $17.25 for seniors; $11.50 for kids 3-12.